Carnival Cruise Line is charting an ambitious course for the 2027/28 cruise season, unveiling a refreshed lineup of itineraries that combines shorter regional escapes with long-haul, immersive journeys across the globe. Headlining the season are the highly anticipated arrival of Carnival Firenze in New York and an expanded international programme aboard Carnival Splendor, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to variety, accessibility and destination-rich cruising.
Together, these deployments signal a strategic evolution in Carnival’s global offering—designed to appeal equally to first-time cruisers, seasoned travellers and guests seeking longer, experience-led voyages.
Carnival Firenze Brings “Fun Italian Style” to New York
The introduction of Carnival Firenze marks a significant milestone for Carnival Cruise Line, as the ship brings its signature “Fun Italian Style” concept to one of the world’s most dynamic cruise homeports. Replacing Carnival Venezia, Carnival Firenze will begin operations from New York in May 2027, opening a new chapter for Carnival’s East Coast presence.
Ahead of its arrival, the ship will undertake a special 11-day Carnival Journeys voyage from Miami, departing on 16 May 2027. This Southern Caribbean sailing will showcase a classic mix of sun-drenched destinations, including Aruba, Curaçao, Grand Bahama and St. Thomas, offering guests an extended tropical escape before the vessel’s repositioning to the northeast.
Once homeported in New York from 27 May 2027, Carnival Firenze will offer a diverse range of itineraries tailored to varying travel styles. Shorter four- and five-day sailings to Bermuda and Canada will cater to guests seeking quick yet rewarding getaways, while select itineraries will spotlight the charm of North America’s eastern seaboard. A standout five-day cruise departing 19 August 2027 will call at Portland, Maine, and Saint John, Canada, combining New England character with scenic Canadian coastal landscapes.
For travellers seeking deeper destination immersion, Carnival Firenze will also operate seven-day cruises featuring three consecutive days in Bermuda—allowing ample time to explore the island’s iconic pink-sand beaches and relaxed island culture. Longer eight-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries will further expand choice, with calls at Celebration Key, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay, Carnival’s private island destination renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Carnival Splendor Expands Carnival’s Global Reach
Complementing the New York debut of Carnival Firenze, Carnival Splendor will play a central role in Carnival Cruise Line’s international expansion for the 2027/28 season. With four new itineraries, the ship will venture deeper into Australia and Southeast Asia, offering guests access to some of the world’s most diverse and visually striking regions.
Among the highlights is a 15-day Carnival Journeys sailing departing Sydney on 31 July 2027. Designed for travellers seeking adventure and cultural discovery, the voyage will call at Moreton Island, Airlie Beach and Cairns in Australia, before continuing to Lombok and Bali in Indonesia. A symbolic crossing of the Equator will add a unique maritime milestone to the journey.
The return leg—a 16-day cruise back to Sydney—will include a call at Darwin, providing guests with the opportunity to explore Australia’s tropical northern gateway and its distinctive cultural heritage.
In addition to these extended voyages, Carnival Splendor will also offer shorter options, including a three-day cruise featuring two sea days for pure relaxation, as well as a four-day itinerary to Moreton Island. These sailings underscore the ship’s versatility, catering to both time-conscious holidaymakers and those seeking far-reaching exploration.
A Broader Vision for Global Cruising
The expanded deployments of Carnival Firenze and Carnival Splendor reflect Carnival Cruise Line’s broader strategy of offering a balanced portfolio of itineraries across key global markets. With New York serving as a major gateway for U.S. cruisers and Australia acting as a launch point for Asia-Pacific exploration, the line is ensuring that guests have access to a wide range of destinations regardless of departure point.
Carnival Journeys sailings, in particular, continue to play a vital role in this strategy, offering longer, more immersive itineraries that allow travellers to connect more deeply with local cultures, landscapes and traditions. From the vibrant cities of Southeast Asia to the laid-back beaches of the Caribbean, these voyages are designed for guests who value time, discovery and storytelling in their travels.
Looking Ahead to 2027/28
As bookings open for the 2027/28 season, Carnival Cruise Line is inviting travellers to plan and secure their place on these newly announced sailings. Whether it is a short escape to Bermuda, an extended Caribbean adventure, or an epic journey across Australia and Indonesia, the upcoming season offers an expansive choice of experiences.
With the debut of Carnival Firenze in New York and Carnival Splendor charting new international routes, Carnival Cruise Line is positioning the 2027/28 season as one of its most diverse and destination-rich yet—promising memorable voyages for every kind of cruiser.
